In The Spotlight

Jak Lizard – “Somebody Like Me”

Growing up in a household with parents and siblings all favoring their own music, this New York-based singer and songwriter was engulfed with a multitude of genres, ranging from Stevie Wonder and Steely Dan to Outkast and Common. As part of the music collective 99SUBLIME he’s worked with a slew of inspiring artists. He debuted his soulful, nostalgic mixture with his single “Sisters” in 2018.

Dipping old-school R&B and sunlit soul into cheerful, summery vibes, his new single is bursting with upbeat indulgence. Taken from his latest EP “Humphrey” and featuring the musicality of Brasstracks, this chirpy tune is bobbing along on its rosy sonic waves. Championing self-acceptance in a pressured world, it’s the jaunty keys and perky horns that make this groove sound irresistibly fun.

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In The Spotlight

Michelle Sarah – “My Everything”

Born in Toronto, but raised in Guyana and the United States, the musical foundation of this powerhouse singer and songwriter is rooted in gospel, but ventures into soul and funk. Now based in Denver, she’s performed with a genre-spanning slew of artists, like the Grateful Dead and Parliament-Funkadelic and played New Orleans’ Jazz Fest and Jam Cruise. She debuted with “Truth” earlier this year.

Serving as a crossroads where a myriad of different styles meet and decide to play together in harmony, her new single is an auditory delight. Her gospel roots are present and even jazz puts in an appearance, but it’s her emotive soulfulness that drives this tune. With her mighty vocal acrobatics, a relentless rhythm and blazing brass causing some sonic fireworks, this jam is a sensational experience.

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In The Spotlight

Just Costa – “514”

Born and raised in Montreal, this Canadian brother and sister duo kicked off their careers on separate projects. Juliana was a singer/songwriter, while Jesse fronted rock and metal bands. After joining forces they’ve appeared on La Voix (The Voice) and had a 16-day tour of Italy. With a catchy sound inspired by artists like Bruno Mars and Earth, Wind & Fire, they debuted with “Peachy” earlier this year.

Paying tribute to their beloved hometown, their new single is bursting with energetic life. Named after the area code, they succeeded in instilling the city’s artsiness and joie de vivre into their sonic world. With a vintage vibe radiating from the funky retro pop and soul melodic blend and their varied vocals ranging from soulful to rap, this groovy ode is a feel-good jam with a sunlit electric vitality.

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In The Spotlight

Luna Luna – “Time”

Hailing from Dallas, this quartet of indie-pop musicians has been tirelessly playing house parties and building up a fan base since the release of their debut EP “For Lovers Only” in 2018, which introduced their dreamy retro synth pop sound and cemented them as hopeless romantics. Continuing their live shows, they’ve played SXSW and The Roxy and are currently one of the busiest acts in Texas.

Putting the effects that quarantine has had on them and how their lives changed to music is no easy feat, but their new single proves it can be done. Keeping the dreamy vibe alive, they turn the speed up a notch with a bustling funky bass line and danceable rhythm. Layering smooth synths and fresh guitars on top and finishing it off with a touch of brass makes this tune exhilarating and timeless.

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In The Spotlight

ELMA – “I Can Tell (U Wanna Hold Me)”

Born in Stockholm as Matilda Gratte, this soulful Swedish singer, songwriter, pianist and producer attended the renowned Berklee College Of Music in Boston. Since graduating she’s been composing music for films, as well as international artists such as South-Korean singer BoA, Bart B More from The Netherlands and The Mamas from Sweden. She’s also a background singer for Zara Larsson.

Buttery smooth and honey sweet – on her second outing under her new moniker, she pays tribute to the famous 90s R&B ballads from the likes of her musical inspiration Erykah Badu. With a highly embraceable melody of a mild rhythm and warm keys laying down a flowery bed for her enchanting, soul-dripping vocals to gently rest on, this silky jam, filled with soothing charm, is love in sonic form.

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In The Spotlight

The Commotions – “New Suit”

Pumping sizzling soul through the heart of the music scene, this 11-piece Canadian band was created by musical director and saxophonist Brian Asselin. Having toured with the legendary Funk Brothers, their blend of 70s soul and Motown rhythms was born. They’ve played festivals such as The Ottowa Jazz Festival and had their music featured on TV shows like The Fosters and Snowfall.

Boarding this time machine with a destination of slap bang in the middle of Motown’s glory years, their new single is dripping with vintage 60s funkalicious vibes. Erupting with their exuberant, red-hot horns and its fierce rhythm, this spirited jam is propelled into a retro stratosphere. And with the powerful vocals of Jeff Rogers, this groovy journey to yesteryear enriches all our senses.

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